In a blistering display of power-hitting at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Hardik Pandya has etched his name into the record books during the fifth T20I against South Africa on December 19, 2025.

Hardik Pandya’s destructive innings breaks records in 5th T20I vs South Africa

Entering the fray at number five, Pandya wasted no time, dispatching his very first delivery over long-off to signal his intent. His assault reached a crescendo against George Linde and Corbin Bosch, as he raced to a 16-ball fifty, decorated with four boundaries and five towering sixes. This whirlwind knock played a pivotal role in propelling India toward a massive total in the series decider, proving once again why he is considered one of the most dangerous finishers in world cricket.  By reaching the milestone in just 16 deliveries, Pandya has officially claim the second spot on the list of fastest T20I half-centuries by an Indian. He now sits only behind the legendary Yuvraj Singh, further solidifying his status as a modern-day great in the shortest format of the game.

Top 5 fastest T20I fifties for India

The hierarchy of India’s fastest T20I run-scorers has been reshuffled following Pandya’s Ahmedabad heroics. Here is the breakdown of the top five quickest half-centuries in Indian history:

5. Suryakumar Yadav (18 Balls)

The current Indian captain and 360-degree specialist, Suryakumar Yadav, occupies the fifth spot with an 18-ball blitz. Known for his unorthodox wrist-work and ability to find gaps in the fine-leg and third-man regions, Surya’s 18-ball fifty (achieved against South Africa in 2022) remains a masterclass in modern T20 innovation.

4. KL Rahul (18 Balls)

Matching Surya’s timing is KL Rahul, who also recorded an 18-ball half-century during the 2021 T20 World Cup against Scotland. Rahul’s knock was a display of pure technical elegance combined with brute force, as he helped India chase down a small target in record time to boost their net run rate.

3. Abhishek Sharma (17 Balls)

The young left-handed opener, Abhishek Sharma, occupies the third spot with a brutal 17-ball half-century against England at the Wankhede Stadium on February 2, 2025. Abhishek’s knock featured an incredible assault on bowlers like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, where he scored 58 runs within the powerplay itself.

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2. Hardik Pandya (16 Balls)

Hardik Pandya moved into the second spot today, December 19, 2025, with his 16-ball demolition of the South African attack. His innings was characterized by immense physical power and a clear tactical focus on targeting the cow-corner and long-on boundaries. Reaching his fifty with a flat six off Corbin Bosch, he now holds the record for the fastest fifty by an Indian on home soil.

1. Yuvraj Singh (12 Balls)

The undisputed king of this list remains Yuvraj Singh, whose 12-ball fifty against England in the 2007 T20 World Cup is arguably the most iconic moment in the format’s history. This was the same innings where he famously hit Stuart Broad for six sixes in an over. Nearly two decades later, Yuvraj’s world-record effort remains untouched by any Indian batter.

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NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi Friday put traditional medicine at the centre of global health conversation, flagging launch of Traditional Medicine Global Library (TMGL) as a shared international platform to anchor ayurveda, yoga & other ancient systems in research, policy and evidence-based care.Addressing the closing ceremony of the Second WHO Global Summit on Traditional Medicine at Bharat Mandapam, Modi said the digital library fulfils a commitment made during India’s G20 presidency and will bring together scientific data, research and policy documents related to traditional medicine on a single global platform. “This will ensure equal access to authentic information for every country,” he said.The TMGL hosts content from 194 countries and marks a shift from fragmented, region-specific knowledge to a shared global repository, enabling evidence-based research, regulation and safer integration of traditional medicine into national health systems.The PM said the three-day summit reflected a new convergence of tradition and technology, with deliberations on research, digital tools, AI, global standards and investment. He said these discussions have culminated in the Delhi Declaration, which will serve as a common roadmap for cooperation on safety, standards and training.Highlighting India’s leadership, he said it was a matter of pride that WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine is based in Jamnagar. He also inaugurated the new WHO South-East Asia Regional Office Complex in Delhi, describing it as a global hub for research, regulation and capacity building.Linking traditional medicine to modern health challenges, he said lifestyle imbalances are driving diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, depression and cancer. “Restoring balance is not just a global cause but a global urgency,” he said. The PM announced steps to strengthen integrative cancer care, combining traditional systems with modern treatment, and highlighted ongoing clinical studies on anaemia, arthritis and diabetes, alongside growing innovation by Indian start-ups.During the event, Modi launched key Ayush initiatives, including the My Ayush Integrated Services Portal and the Ayush Mark as a global quality benchmark, and released a WHO technical report on yoga training. He also felicitated the recipients of Prime Minister’s Awards for Outstanding Contribution to the Promotion and Development of Yoga, recognising their sustained efforts in taking yoga to a global audience.

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NEW DELHI: Raising the battle stakes over MGNREGA with the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi Friday said Congress will force the Modi govt to withdraw the disbanding of the job guarantee scheme, with the party warning that farmers’ protest forced the Centre to roll back the “three black farm laws”. ‘Congress also warned that after MGNREGA, the BJP will target the acts on forest rights, food security and land acquisition, while RTI has already been hollowed out.In comments issued while abroad, Rahul said MGNREGA provided the vulnerable sections with “leverage” and “bargaining power” which brought down “exploitation” and distress migration, while improving wages and working conditions.“That leverage is precisely what this govt wants to break … Prime Minister Modi’s targets are clear: weaken labour, weaken the leverage of rural India, especially Dalits, OBCs and adivasis,” he said, adding the VB-G RAM G will enfeeble the job guarantee that was “rural poor’s last line of defence”, and is “anti-state and anti-village”.Rahul’s statement of intent – he did not participate in the LS debate as he is in Germany for an international political meeting – came as the Congress Working Committee is set to meet on Dec 27, likely to discuss an action plan for a nationwide stir. Congress MPs Jairam Ramesh and Manickam Tagore warned, “Farmers protested and forced the PM to roll back the three farm laws. The CWC will hopefully come out with an action plan on how to raise the issue.”The leader of opposition in Lok Sabha added, “We will stand with workers, panchayats and states to defeat this move and build a nationwide front to ensure this law is withdrawn.”With a joint protest inside the Parliament chambers, the opposition believes the issue can serve as an important outreach to the weaker sections while papering over the divisions that mar the anti-BJP bloc. The opposition members have in recent days spoken about the protests against the land acquisition bill and the farm laws, to argue that weakening of the job scheme structure will have resonance with the poor who have come to depend on MGNREGA. Jairam Ramesh said, “Like the three black farm laws were to impact the farmers, this G Ram G law will hurt the vulnerable sections.”That advocacy groups and NGOs will complement their effort in taking the message to target groups has only bolstered their hope of an effective agitation.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has provided for extensive rights and protections of air travelers. It gives clear guidelines on flight delays, cancellations, baggage, ticket management among other things.These provisions become significant to understand to ensure consumer rights especially after the recent flight disruption crisis. Here’s a glimpse at certain key provisions to ensure passenger convenience:

Compensation rulesThe Ministry has laid down regulations regarding compensation and assistance for disrupted flights, such as:Delays: Passengers are entitled to free meals in flights delayed between 2 to 4 hours, while alternative flights or refunds have to be given for flights that are delayed for over 6 hours. Meanwhile, in case of delays beyond 24 hours, hotel accommodation needs to be provided.Cancellations: The compensation offered varies from Rs 5,000 for 1-hour cancellation to Rs 10,000 for over 2 hours delay.Overbooking: Airlines are required to provide alternate flights within one hour. Additionally, compensation worth a maximum of Rs.20,000 is given for delayed rebooking after more than 24 hours.Accessibility and emergenciesThere are certain safety guidelines when it comes emergency or unprecedented situations, such as: Disability rights: Airlines cannot refuse service to passengers with disabilities. They must provide assistive devices, accessible seating, and prior support, provided the passenger has given 48-hour prior notice.Medical emergencies: Airlines are required to provide medical assistance, including doctors, paramedics, or ambulance services.Flight diversions: The passengers are entitled to disembarkation and refreshments, depending on the waiting time.Baggage and liabilityThe charter defines compensation limits for lost or damaged baggage and cargo, such as:Domestic: Rs 20,000 per passenger for baggage, Rs 350 per kg for cargo.International: 1,131 SDR (Special Drawing Rights) for baggage, 19 SDR per kg for cargo.Fatality: Fatality liability means the compensation an airline must pay to a passenger’s family in case of death during air travel. It is set at Rs 20 lakh for domestic flights, while for international flights it is 113,100 SDRTicket management and refundsPassengers have the ability to cancel and/or reschedule their tickets for a full refund of all the taxes and fees. This comes with a 24-hour free cancellation window up to 7 days before the flight. Refund timelines are immediate for cash payments and up to seven days for credit card transactions.Protections and escalationThe rules cover also covers exceptions due to strikes, weather, security, or air traffic control issues. The passengers can complain about the matter to the help desk, Air Sewa app, or any statutory authority. The additional benefits specified for the passengers are free Wi-Fi at all airports, with the right to written notice about their rights.

Sperm count in men is an area that gets little attention, but the findings are very clear. Sperm count in the past four decades has been steadily declining. It was found that there was almost a 60 per cent fall in the average sperm concentration, which creates concern for those couples wanting to raise families, with many nowadays even delaying their childbearing years. According to UChicago Medicine, the impact in this case could be attributed to genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors, diet plays a crucial role in this scenario, as it affects sperm negatively in some foods and positively in others. This awareness can help men maintain their sperm count and motility, thereby staying fertile.

Infertility in males: Everyday foods linked to poor reproductive health

Bacon, hot dogs, salami, and beef jerky are delicious but may negatively impact sperm concentration. Studies link excessive consumption of processed meats to lower sperm counts and overall reproductive health issues. Limiting intake is advisable for men trying to conceive.Bacon, hot dogs, salami, or beef jerky may contain high amounts of processed meat that might affect the quality and count of sperm. Processed meats have been connected to low sperms by people who overconsume the foods. This condition is best avoided by men struggling to produce offspring.High intake of soy can lower the concentration of sperm because of phytoestrogens, which act as estrogens in the body. Moderate intake is not likely to be detrimental, but excessive intake should be followed cautiously.

Residues of chemicals found in fruits, vegetables, meat, and fish, as well as BPA found in canned and packaging materials, are known as xenoestrogens. These substances either act as estrogen or can lead to an imbalance of hormones, resulting in a lowering of sperm count and vitality.

Foods that support fertility

Vegetarian whole foods, especially vegetables, beans, and antioxidant-filled fruits, help improve the number and motility of sperm. Vitamins such as vitamin C, lycopene, and coenzyme Q10 help shield sperm from oxidative stress, improving vigour and fertilising capacity. Research also shows that regular consumption of nuts by men can increase sperm vitality and motility. This is because nuts are rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, and nutrients that are vital for male reproductive health.

Importance of a diet for male fertility

A sperm-supportive diet is crucial to promoting fertility in a man. Man should avoid processed meat products, high-fat dairy products, increased consumption of soy products, and chemical-based foods, but opt for fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Small modifications within a diet can bring great changes to sperm quality. Decreasing sperm counts are more than a figure. They can directly affect fertility. It has been found that male-related factors cause infertility in a third of infertile couples. Poor sperm quality may lead to fertility problems and even require treatment. Since trends point toward a delay in procreation, for men who want optimally healthy sperm, a healthy diet is more essential than ever before.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While the content discusses diet and nutrition related to male fertility, individual health conditions and circumstances vary.

Modi, Priyanka At Post-Session Tea Meeting

NEW DELHI: Rancour and blame game inside Parliament made way for conviviality and cordiality at a customary post-parliamentary session get-together of govt functionaries, including PM Narendra Modi, and opposition MPs at Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla’s chamber over tea on Friday.Congress and other opposition parties, which had skipped the meeting in a few previous sessions to convey their protest with happenings inside Parliament, were present in full force in an informal setting marked by Modi’s wit and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra’s relaxed and easy presence.Sources said Priyanka made polite enquiries from Modi about his foreign trip, setting the tone for a rare convivial setting involving govt & opposition members, some of whom nudged for a longer session as the 15-day sitting of winter session, which was adjourned sine die, was one of the shortest ever.With her brother Rahul Gandhi, leader of opposition in LS being in Germany, first-time MP Priyanka was the main Congress voice in the meeting. Her confidence but easy manner was a change from Rahul’s more aggressive and confrontational approach, a source said.Modi, sources said, asked opposition MPs about the session and praised RSP MP NK Premachandran, a Congress ally, for his diligence in parliamentary business. Several others too echoed the positive view of the seasoned parliamentarian. The PM made some light comments, evoking smiles from everyone.Sources said that Priyanka spoke about the health benefits that she got using a herb from her constituency Wayanad in Kerala.Modi used the Tamil greeting ‘Vanakkam’ for Manickam Tagore, and Priyanka quipped that she too has learnt a line in the language which means ‘Vote for Congress’, eliciting smiles from everyone, sources said. There was all-round laughter when a vocal opposition MP’s pitch for a longer session drew a quip from govt side that a short sitting might have given his throat some rest.Birla, sources said, emphasised the opportunity given to so many of the members from different parties to speak on bills and different issues despite the relatively short session. This was acknowledged by members at the meeting. Lok Sabha’s productivity was 111% in this session.Defence minister Rajnath Singh was among the ministers present at the meeting, which was also attended by Kumari Selja, Mohammad Jawed, from Congress, SP’s Dharmendra Yadav, DMK’s A Raja and NCP(SP)’s Supriya Sule, besides several BJP allies.After returning last night from his three-nation tour, Modi joined LS as Vande Mataram was played to mark the session’s end moments after it convened at 11am. This Parliament session was headlined by the passage of VB-G RAM G bill to replace the UPA-era MGNREGA amid fierce opposition protest. The session marked by high productivity ended with govt and opposition benches trading punches.As Birla read out his valedictory statement in LS, opposition raised slogans of “Mahatma Gandhi ki jai” to highlight their protest against removal of Gandhi’s name from the rural job guarantee scheme. A debate listed on air pollution, which was jointly moved by Priyanka, DMK’s Kanimozhi, did not take place due to what a govt functionary described as “bad atmosphere” inside the House.

The Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) has sent waves through the cricketing world by naming a powerhouse 20-member squad for the upcoming Vijay Hazare Trophy 2025-26 for the first two games. This announcement is headlined by the rare return of Virat Kohli to domestic List A cricket, marking his first appearance in the tournament since 2010.

Following a strict BCCI mandate requiring centrally contracted players to participate in at least two rounds of the 50-over event, Kohli and fellow star Rishabh Pant have confirmed their availability for Delhi’s opening games. Pant has been officially appointed as the captain, with high-flyer Ayush Badoni named his deputy. With the tournament set to kick off on December 24, 2025, in Bengaluru, Delhi enters Group D as clear favorites, boasting a roster that blends legendary experience with explosive young talent.

Virat Kohli’s comeback after 15 years in the Vijay Hazare tournament

The most significant narrative of the squad selection is the return of Kohli to the Delhi jersey for a domestic 50-over match after a staggering 15-year hiatus. Kohli, who last played in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in February 2010, has been in phenomenal form recently, smashing two centuries during the ODI series against South Africa.

His return is not merely a formality; it is a strategic move by the BCCI to ensure top players remain match-fit during the three-week gap before India’s ODI series against New Zealand begins on January 11. DDCA President Rohan Jaitley confirmed Kohli’s participation for the first two games against Andhra and Gujarat, where he will likely reunite with long-time friend Ishant Sharma. For the fans in Bengaluru, the chance to see Kohli play for his home state at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, a venue where he is a local icon for his IPL franchise, has turned these domestic fixtures into some of the most anticipated matches of the season.

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Delhi squad strength under Rishabh Pant and the pace battery

Under the captaincy of Rishabh Pant, Delhi has assembled a squad that looks formidable on paper, particularly in its bowling department. The inclusion of veteran pacers Ishant Sharma and Navdeep Saini, alongside young sensation Harshit Rana (who will join after India’s T20I duties), provides a depth of speed and experience rarely seen in domestic cricket.

The batting unit is equally robust, featuring the aggressive Nitish Rana and former India U-19 captain Yash Dhull, while Ayush Badoni provides middle-order stability and tactical support as vice-captain. Explaining the selection, DDCA officials emphasized that this balanced mix is designed to navigate a grueling Group D schedule that includes powerhouse teams like Saurashtra and Haryana. By appointing Pant as leader, the selectors have signaled a commitment to modern, aggressive white-ball cricket, ensuring that the stars not only fulfill their BCCI obligations but actively drive Delhi toward their first title in over a decade.

Delhi squad for the first two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches

Rishabh Pant (c), Ayush Badoni (vc), Virat Kohli, Arpit Rana, Yash Dhull, Sarthak Ranjan, Priyansh Arya, Tejasvi Singh (wk), Nitish Rana, Hrithik Shokeen, Harsh Tyagi, Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, Divij Mehra, Ayush Doseja, Vaibhav Kandpal, Rohan Rana, Ishant Sharma, Navdeep Saini, Anuj Rawat (standby wicketkeeper)

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